Billy and I sat down to speak live at the 2014 Creative Strings Workshop to discuss Billy’s life, music, and more in the first episode of the brand new Creative Strings Podcast. Later we edited this podcast to include several amazing clips of Billy from when he was young through today. This progression shows how Billy’s playing has evolved, as well as his incredible variety. We structured the podcast to heavily feature Billy’s playing in between interview segments. Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
Table of Contents
Thanks to the Electric Violin Shop for being great at what they do and also for sponsoring our effort.
Clips in this Episode:
Many of the clips included are from the two recordings Billy and Chris co-produced: “Jazz Fiddle Revolution” (2001) and “Jazz Fiddle Evolution” (2005).
In the order clips appear:
By the Bay – Live performance
Always – Billy with the Nashville Swing Band
Walking on Broadway – from Jazz Fiddle Evolution
Untitled Blues Jam – from Jazz Fiddle Revolution
Dreams – Original Tune with Billy’s wife, Amanda Contreras
Maria, Maria – from Jazz Fiddle Revolution
W.S. – from Jazz Fiddle Evolution
The Way you Look Tonight – from Jazz Fiddle Revolution
Crazy Young Billy
Black Mountain Rag – Performed by Kenny Baker
Dialogue Over Two Themes – from Jazz Fiddle Revolution
Tristeza – from Jazz Fiddle Evolution
Solo on Original Tune
Hotwired
Back Home in Indiana – Performed by the Lester Young Trip
Sally Goodin – Performed by Ricky Skaggs
Sweet Georgia Brown – Performed by Billy at the Grand Master Fiddler’s Competition 2005 (Billy placed 3rd)
Dialogue Over Two Themes – from Jazz Fiddle Revolution
Sweet Soul Music – Live
Practicing at age 17
Solo over the Blues – Live
Detective H – from Jazz Fiddle Evolution
Licks in Ionian and Dorian (from a live masterclass)
Confirmation
Practicing at age 17
Song of the Wanderer – from Texas in my Soul
Show Notes
People and concepts discussed in this episode:
Suzuki starter violin:
Jim Wood – Billy’s first fiddle teacher
Buddy Spicher – Billy’s fiddle teacher
You can download string ensemble charts from Christian and Billy’s first album Jazz Fiddle Revolution by clicking here.
Please take a moment to visit our friends at the Electric Violin Shop. Electric Violin Shop is your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear & accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order.
Billy Contreras is a returning faculty member at the Creative Strings Workshop, a week-long intensive camp for improvising string players. Click here to learn more about the Creative Strings Workshop.
Learn from over 200 educational resources and materials at the Creative Strings Academy.
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